Mitsubishi Motors is back at the SEMA Show for the first time since 2012, but it’s not bringing a wild custom build to Las Vegas as you might expect but a production model.
This year’s SEMA Show (Nov. 3-6) marks the world debut of the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition, the most rugged variant yet of the brand’s bread-and-butter SUV. The Japanese automaker obviously wants a bigger slice of the popular off-road SUV market, and a cheap way to do that is to give the existing Outlander some off-road chops.
A New Off-Road Mode for the AWD System
Mitsubishi Motors
The off-road model gets an array of exterior, interior and hardware upgrades that make it “the most capable and adventure-focused Outlander ever offered in North America”—Mitsubishi’s words, not ours.
For starters, the Diamond Trail Edition adds a new Rock mode to the Outlander’s standard Super-All Wheel Control System (S-AWC) for more capability off the beaten track. The setting is said to use enhanced brake control to quickly suppress wheel-slip and help secure traction. Furthermore, Rock mode is said to activate faster than other S-AWC modes.
Mitsubishi Motors
Additionally, when Rock mode is selected, the Hill Descent Control (HDC) system is automatically activated as well to help the driver control speed in rocky or mogul terrain. HDC can also be adjusted for the speed at which it holds the vehicle.
Another new addition is a screen that can be displayed in the instrument cluster showing front-wheel steering angle, individual wheel-slip and traction-control intervention. The Multi-View Camera System can also be activated and remains on up to 18.6 mph, a 6.2 mph increase from the standard model.
More Rugged Bumpers for Increased Approach and Departure Angles
Mitsubishi Motors
Seen from the outside, the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition looks significantly more rugged thanks to redesigned bumpers that improve approach and departure angles—from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees (approach) and from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees (departure). The bumpers match the aggressive over-fenders and the unique 18×7.5″ black alloy wheels shod with dedicated Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires, contributing to a rugged, trail-ready look.
The Outlander Diamond Trail Edition also gets a new matte black grille with black Dynamic Shield, as well as a black finish for the headlights. Keeping with the off-road-capable theme, the SUV also gets two round projectors attached to the front bumper and raised roof rails that allow easy installation of roof racks. Finally, the Outlander Diamond Trail Edition debuts a new Trail Green Metallic color that can be offset with a white roof.
Mitsubishi Motors
Moving to the cabin, there’s an all-new seating material finished in dark grey with khaki stitching. Unique to the Diamond Trail Edition, this material repels water and is easier to clean, which should come in handy for an adventure vehicle.
The interior also features unified matte and dark tones, as well as textured matte black, dark chrome and dark satin. The Diamond Trail Edition logo, which represents skilled athletes on a downhill course, is found on the seat backs, floor mats and the door trim.
Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors
A New Generation of Off-Road-Capable Vehicles Is Coming to USA
Mitsubishi Motors
While Mitsubishi has yet to confirm whether the all-new Montero/Pajero body-on-frame SUV is coming stateside, its Momentum 2030 long-term business plan notes that the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition will head a new generation of off-road-capable vehicles for North America.
Future models will focus on adventure and vehicle capability while building on the brand’s history of quality, dependability and reliability.
This vehicle represents the next step in our Momentum 2030 vision, combining Mitsubishi Motors’ off-road heritage with the capability, technology and versatility today’s customer demands. From the production model to the customized concepts on display, we’re showing enthusiasts how far their adventures can go, while reinforcing our goal to helping customers truly ‘Drive their Ambition.’
Mark Chaffin,
President and CEO, MMNA
Mitsubishi will showcase three Outlander Diamond Trail models at SEMA. One vehicle will be stock except some Mitsubishi Genuine Accessories and a color-matched Thule roof box, while the other two will be heavily modified.
Mitsubishi Motors
About the author
Dan Mihalascu is a news editor at Autoblog and an automotive journalist with over 20 years of experience covering U.S. and European markets. He’s written for CarScoops, InsideEVs, HotCars, and other major automotive publications.
